so I just started a new job today... Glad I am employed, scared s*less nonetheless.

[peacebird]

I left the job from hell (the layoffs last june were the final straw) and moved to a new company. The staff is young and energetic, enthusiastic, friendly... I like the atmosphere and yet I am scared s*less - all my co-workers are my sons age.
I am not afraid of hard work, nor of learning the new tools. When I started out as an engineer I was in the minority - one of only two women in the building. Now I am again in the minority - one of the oldest workers in the building. That in addition to being a new hire is somewhat daunting. I was not bothered to be one of the only two women back in the day - it was exciting! But somehow this seems more disconcerting.

I know I should be (and AM) grateful to be employed, but still - it is awkward to find myself back as 'minority' at this point in my career.
(sorry for whining)

[Catshrink]

1. Congratulations on the new job!

[Soral]

2. If it makes you feel any better, I am 29 and the youngest by 10 years

At my IT recruiting firm.

I am the only one who knows how to work the computer... at my IT recruiting firm.

I am scared everyday.

[notadmblnd]

4. So I guess you have to ask yourself why they hired you?

[femmocrat]

3. Congratulations on your new job!

Don't worry--- you can probably teach those whipper-snappers a thing or two! :hi:

[EFerrari]

5. Starting a new job is stressful no matter your age.

But, congratulations. I hope things settle down as you get more familiar with the office.

[Subdivisions]

6. Congrats, peacebird! It's good to have your guard up. But do

try to make the best of it. I'm so happy you're back to work!

:bounce: :party:

[G_j]

7. I try to forget age

We are the same people we always were~are.
Good thoughts winging your way.

[amerikat]

8. They hired you for a reason.

Take comfort in that fact.

You'll do fine.

Congrats.

[madrchsod]

9. congrats...i always liked to work with 'kids'-

they kept me on my toes.....

[InvisibleTouch]

10. Back when I was teaching undergraduates...

...I occasionally had a "non-traditional" student in my class. That is, an older student who was returning to school after many years or even decades. Certainly old enough to be a parent to all the other students in the class. But they were among my very favorite students - they really were committed to learning and *wanted* to be there. They weren't always the top students, but they always did their best, and they brought a welcome maturity and stability to the classroom. The other students seemed to appreciate that too. There was never any prejudice or cliquishness that excluded the older students, that I ever noticed.

So keep in mind that you bring a valuable perspective to your new workplace - a perspective that your younger co-workers simply don't and can't have yet. It's a great addition to the mix, and everyone benefits.

[gateley]

11. Once they get to know you it'll be fine. I didn't worry about it when I was younger

either, but now that I'm older people treat me like I'm a friend of their mother's! Once you get to know each other as people, the age doesn't matter any more. You'll see! Congrats! :pals:

[OregonBlue]

12. I bet you'll end up loving it. Being around all those you and energetic and enthusiastic young

people will probably be fun. Congrats.

[applegrove]

13. Congrats. You are obviously very bright and will do well there. Think of

your wisdom and such. I'm sure you will be a valuable staff member.

[peacebird]

14. thank you all for your kind words of encouragement!! :-)

Day two went better than day one - things began to "click"! Fingers crossed, but I do feel much better tonight, and much more confident than last night. And yes, working with a gang of twenty-somethings can be energizing!

[TBF]

15. Glad day 2 went better.

I used to work as a paralegal, and then managed paralegals & attorneys. Most younger - but I found it to be a good experience. They will think of you as older, but that's ok because you will be the one they come to with questions. If you're nice and help them out (and treat them like adults) they will do anything for you.

Have fun!

[peacebird]

16. :-) thank you!

I will take your words of wisdom to heart!